Why the Rare 1861 Confederate Half Dollar Coin is Worth Over $100,000

One of the rare and most precious coins in the world is the Confederate States of America (CSA) half dollar coin, which was minted in the year 1861, at the onset of the American civil war. Its current worth is estimated at as much as up to $100,000 (or roughly in excess of 8.3 million). This is based on its rarity and historical value of the reason why its cost is high.

Rarity of the Coin

Southern states, which had just left the Union in 1861 and created the Confederacy, tried to coin their own money in order to create their own identity and economy.

• The New Orleans Mint at that time was captured by the Confederacy.
• There was only minting of four CSA half dollar coins.
• The production of more such coins on large scale was averted as the Confederate government had no adequate resources or silver deposits.
• They started producing paper money in desperation.
• This implies that there are only four true confederate Half Dollars and this spurs its price soaring.

Historical Significance

• It is not merely a metal coin, but the living monument to the Civil War and the US past.
• It illustrates how the Confederacy wanted to be a separate nation that has a different economy.
• It is a historical treasure of the collector to-day.
• Its history and the dramatic conditions of its minting place it even further in the background and add to its value as a rarity and beauty.

Determining Originals and Counterfeit (Original vs. Restrike)

The popularity of this coin was so great that there were many restrikes and imitations made. A bona fide one may be ascertained, however, in a number of ways:

• Die Crack Observe – This is a crack in a die (metal impression) which is easily visible on authentic coins. Counterfeit and later coins do not have this mark.
• Restrike History – The original CSA reverse die was purchased by a well known researcher, J.W. Scott in the year 1879 and he restriked about 500 coins. These were Overstrikes of the 1961-O U.S. Half Dollar.
• Professional Authentication – Authenticated coins are provided by such organizations as PCGS or NGC.

Value Disparity

The coins are valued according to the grade:

• Original – Confederate Half Dollars in original are worth millions of dollars. In 2015, one coin sold for $881,250. In the recent past Greysheet has estimated the price of a Mint State condition coin to be valued at between 840,000 to 1,173,000.
• Restrike (since 1879) – These prices lie between 2750 and 40500, varying according to the condition.
• Replicas (modern replicas) – These are just exhibition or souvenirs, and bear no collector value.

Conclusion

The confederate half dollar 1861 is not a coin, but a historical treasure and treasure of American history, that is something rare and valuable. It has four originals which make it one of the most valuable and desired numismatic treasures in the world. It is not a blank of metal or even a historical document but a piece of living history to those who like coins and history.

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